Then saw I that we were outnumbered by three to one, but we were fresh, and they tired with a long march, quickly made, and under burdens.
Now began the spears to fly from one side to the other, and men began to fall.

And yet there was no great attack made on either side.

Then grew I impatient, for it seemed to me that as we were the weaker side the first charge might do all for us.

So I spoke to Wulfhere, saying: "We must charge before they.

Let us break into that circle." "Aye!" said the veteran, and "Aye!" shouted Wislac; and so I pointed the banner forward and shouted for my shield men to charge.
And that, with a great roar, they did; and down before the brawny arms of those foremost three lay brethren went three of the heathen, and we were pressing into the circle.